Christmas lesson

Before I lose my chance, I wanted to quick share a short story from Gabe.  If I get a chance, I will include an update on our Thanksgiving. 

In an effort to save money and also teach the kids a lesson in moderation and the true meaning of Christmas, we told the boys they were only allowed to ask Santa for two things this Christmas season - a 'want' and a 'need'.

We explained the difference between the two - that a 'want' is usually fun and unnecessary and a 'need' is something necessary, not always fun.

Gabe thought about it for a while and said, "Mom, I am going to ask for three things.  My 'want' is for a Nintendo DS.  My 'need' is for AA batteries.  And for last, I am going to ask Santa to buy you flowers, because you never ask for things for yourself."

I instantly became blubbery and had to control myself before I tried to talk.  I told Gabe thank you for thinking of me and that I appreciated and loved his idea of giving to others.  I went on to talk about the true meaning of Christmas is about the birth of Jesus and how we should think of others at this time of the year and how he gave me the perfect example of thinking about someone else.

 

On the outside, I remained composed and collected, telling my oldest son that his heart is in the right place and how proud I am of him.  On the inside, I was a mess!  What a boy!  I can't believe those words came out of his mouth!  I feel like I was staring at a boy much older than six years old, which makes me thankful that we are raising him right but also sad that he is growing so fast.  Sigh.

Look for my Thanksgiving recap and Christmas tree decoration update soon.  Sorry for jumping out of order.